Projects that explore the actual implementation of hardware and software will be graded favorably. In this case, actual demonstrations conducted in the class during the presentation of the project will add further weight to the project and subsequently will result in a higher grade being assigned for the project. Information relating to the topic must be provided by   reviewing recent articles on the topic from magazines and/or other publications.

 

To help in choosing a topic for the project, a few sample topics are listed later in this section.  In addition, a topic that explores a cutting edge or an evolving technology in communications or networking may also be chosen with the approval of the instructor. For instance, one may choose a topic such as Virtual Private Network to explore the latest developments in virtual private networking.  In this case, the functional features of VPN should be described and demonstrated during the presentation.

 

For further brainstorming on project topics, the students may visit the websites of vendors of communication and networking products to survey the latest developments in the field. Technology forums may also be accessed for the selection of an appropriate topic for the project.

 

The selection of the project topic will be discussed during the first class meeting. The end result of the project will be a project presentation and the submission of the slides used in the presentation. 

The schedule for presentation will be listed on the web page entitled Project Groups on this website. The page will also contain the email addresses of the group members and the topics assigned to each group.

 

The PowerPoint slides are due on the day of the project presentation.  Delayed submission of reports will result in penalty points being assessed and deducted from the cumulative score. 

Please note that the above topics are listed only as a guideline and that the students are not required to choose from the above list of topics. A group may also select a topic that expands upon the material covered in the course. An example would be a topic that  would expand on the material covered on streaming in the class. However, it is important not to repeat the material already covered in the course. 

 

With the approval of the instructor, a student may also embark on an individual project in lieu of the group project. Students having extensive experience in networking or those who are heavily involved in a networking related positions or projects at their place of employment are candidates for  individual projects. In this case, the project to be undertaken will focus on a specific area of application in networking that would, in turn, relate to the field of expertise of the student concerned. 

 

 

Students interested in doing individual projects may engage in writing a paper based largely on the material provided on the DVD. A topic from the material covered in the DVD may be chosen for the project. Good writing and researching skills are expected from students choosing to do the individual projects.